Ladeh Panjang Wetlands Treking

The Ladeh Panjang Wetlands, at the western foot of Mt. Kerinci and deep within the Kerinci Seblat National Park, is the highest wetlands in Southeast Asia at over 2000 meters in elevation. The trail there takes about 6 hours or less of fairly easy hiking, with four of those hours through primary rainforest of the Kerinci Seblat National Park. Two lakes can be found within the 150 hectares of wetlands, Danau Singkarak and Danau Sakti, the latter of which takes a further three hours to reach. The marshlands and the primary forest surrounding it are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including barking deer, tapir, and tigers.

Day 1 – Into the Wild

Arrive in Kersik Tuo to collect your camping equipment and meet your guide. Drive to where the road ends at the village of Buntu, and head into the farmlands on the way to the forests. Two hours before the wetlands, you’ll come across a small sulfur vent called Gunung Belarang. Explore the area for any tiger or other wildlife pug marks before heading on to the campsite on the edge of the marsh.

After setting up camp, rest or explore the area. Don’t miss the sunset over the marshlands in the late afternoon. Other options if arranged ahead of time could be to take our trail camera to set up, maybe one by the mud pit in the marshes, and one somewhere in the forest along a trail, (but talk with your guide). Or take a night walk with flashlights after dinner, to try to spot eye shine. When you’re ready, turn in for the night.

Day 2 – Lake and Exploration

In the morning, head to Danau Singkarak. If you think you want to spend the day around the lake, make sure you bring your lunch with you. Be prepared to walk a bit through the marshes and a little bit of swamp forest for about 20 minutes before entering normal primary forest again. The hike from the camp to the lake takes about 1.5 hours. Make sure to remind your guide to show you any orchids and Nepenthes pitcher plants along the way, and keep an eye (and ear) out for singing Siamang gibbons, which usually start their calls between 8am and 9am.

Explore the area around the lake once you arrive. Be on the lookout for any wildlife cooling off with a swim or taking a drink.

For the rest of the day, it’s your choice whether you explore around the lake, continue on to Danau Sakti (another 3 hours one way), or return to the forest and marshlands closer to camp. You could also make an attempt to reach the ridge trail at Gunung Kapur to the west. Make sure to pack enough food and flashlights in case you don’t make it back to camp before dark.

In the evening, take another night walk before heading to bed.

Day 3 – Return

After a bit more exploration, maybe a walk back into the wetlands or along a trail and breakfast, pack up camp and make the six hour journey out of the forest and on to your next destination.

Summary

Difficulty: Moderate

Activities: Hiking, Camping, Bird Watching, Wildlife

Terrain: Primary Forest, Marshland, Swamp

Duration: 3 Days/ 2 Nights

Months of Operation: Year Round, but usually somewhat drier from May – September

Travel

Location: Kerinci Seblat National Park/Kayu Aro

Cost

Total Cost: 4,500,000 IDR for two people

Conditions: While the forest trails surrounding the wetlands are fairly dry, be prepared to get your feet wet when walking into the marshland itself. Due to the elevation, it can get pretty chilly at night, so bringing along a jacket and warm beanie is recommended.

Price includes a local guide and porter, transport within Kerinci to and from the trail head, permits, and all food and equipment. Price per person reduced with more than two travelers, but usually limited to a max of four people to lessen the impact on the environment.